A patient on a medical-surgical floor is experiencing delirium tremens. Which of the following medications can the nurse expect to be ordered for the management of this acute episode?

Explanation

•Delirium tremens (also known as the DTs) is a very severe form of alcohol withdrawal that causes a biochemical cascade.

•Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine with a medium to long half-life. Chlordiazepoxide is used for alcohol withdrawal due to its hypnotic and sedative effects. Ativan is also used for alcohol withdrawal.

•Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat acute delirium, mania, and schizophrenia.

•Naloxone is the antidote for opiates.

•Flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepines.

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